The Mission of the Friends of the Central Library (FOCL) is to champion the Central Library as a vital community resource. Through fundraising and public advocacy, we enhance the excellence of our library.

 

FOCL is dedicated to the goal of raising funds to support the Libraries of Central New York, and through them, advancing literacy in our community. We have raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for the Onondaga County Central Library to purchase new books and materials and to support adult and children's programming.

 

Although we hold multiple events throughout the year, our most popular fund-raising program is the Rosamond Gifford Lecture Series – now the largest and greatest library-related lecture series in the country, and a source of local pride. In 17 seasons, the Friends of the Central Library have brought over 100 world-famous authors to the Central New York area to entertain, inform and inspire audiences and enrich the community.

 

The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Central Library thanks you for your support of the Lecture Series and your community libraries. FOCL is passionate about maintaining the health of our local libraries, one of the few resources available for people to improve themselves, regardless of their financial situation. Taking children to the library can help to foster natural curiosity, problem-solving skills and a love of education and learning. FOCL is dedicated to promoting these qualities because we believe they will lead to improvements in all aspects of society and a better tomorrow.